Government Video Blogs

CubeX Video has released 2x2 and 3x3 video wall controllers that operate without a PC to turn plasma or LCD monitors into video walls with scaling quality that rivals competing systems a reduced price.

CubeX video wall controllers enable configurations of up to a 6x6 video wall. The video wall controller accepts any VGA, DVI, or HDMI signal up to 1920x1200 and automatically displays signals from sources such as a digital cable or satellite TV receiver box, PC, digital signage player, or Blu-ray player (non-HDCP) as a 2x2, 2x3, 3x2 or 3x3 video wall, depending on the model deployed.

The 2x2 controller accepts a single input, typically DVI or VGA, and generates four DVI outputs. Supporting the same input and output types, the 3x3 video wall controller accepts a single input and provides up to nine outputs. On both systems, characteristics are set with an onscreen menu including the input format, the gap compensation (bezel masking) required to correct picture distortion, and the output resolution.

Prices start at $2,995 for the CubeX 2x2 video wall controller and $3,995 for the CubeX 3x3 video wall controller.

MORE INFO
CubeX www.cubexvideo.com

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Maxell has introduced the “E” series of P2 cards for use with P2 cameras and solid-state P2 memory recording systems. The “E” Series provides users with an improved price/performance ratio and faster transfer speeds that allow for rapid, file-based workflow in camera recording, non-linear editing and data transmission applications. “E” Series cards have a transfer speed of 1.2 Gbps and reliability under extreme environmental conditions.

They are available in 16 GB, 32 GB and 64 GB, and feature AVC-Intra 100 compression, resulting in 16, 32 and 64 minutes of High-Def recording capability, respectively.

The “E” series performs in harsh environments, as its design is resistant to vibration, impact, extreme temperatures and humidity. It is reusable for up to five years, and its life is doubled when daily usage is 50% of capacity.

The new card notifies the user when it approaches the end of its life cycle, shown either in the viewfinder/LCD display of the camera or on the card reader, which can be tracked on a computer via P2 formatting software.

Data can be recorded as MXF files and large data can be saved into multiple cards with the card identification system. The P2 card, which meets Type-II PC card standards, can be easily connected to PC card slots for copying and editing, and can be used by either Mac or PC.

MORE INFO
Maxell www.maxell-usa.com
Panasonic P2 HD www.panasonic.com/business/provideo/p2-hd/products.asp

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Volicon has announced the Interactive Services Module (ISM) for the Observer RPM (Remote Program Monitor), the company's post set-top box video service assurance solution for cable, IPTV, mobile, and satellite video service providers. The new module lets operators test the quality of not only linear services, but also on-demand and interactive content and advertising.

Volicon Observor

"By providing automated, periodic interactive service verification along with a 24x7 log, operators can assure the availability of and customer experience with these new critical services," said Andrew Sachs, senior director of marketing for Volicon.

The Observer RPM gives operators a post-STB access point for monitoring and troubleshooting video content via analytics, IR command scripting, integration with transport stream analyzers, and full-frame rate/resolution continuous recording. The ISM adds decision making logic, scripting, and graphical pattern matching that enables monitoring of network/station bugs, interactive media guides, direct commerce and voting/polling applications, words and graphics in interactive menus, as well as detection and activation of telescoping advertising bugs. Users can write scripts that enable testing of interactive or on-demand services.

Volicon Observor monitors and logs multiple channels and can search for specific content including audio stamps. The Mexican elections authority, for example, uses Volicon to monitor more than 2,300 channels to check compliance with election laws. 

MORE INFO
Volicon www.volicon.com

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Effective Jan. 1, Bosch Security Systems, Inc. will integrate the sales, marketing, and customer service and support departments of its Security Systems and Communications Systems Divisions in the Americas.

The senior leadership team of the combined organization will incorporate key executives from both divisions. Heading the team, Jeremy Hockham, president of sales for the Americas, will lead sales, marketing, business development, technical and project support and customer service for the combined organization in North and South America. Christopher Gerace will continue in his role as president.

Eric Cechak, Franck Fabry, Daniel Nix and Kelly Priest will head the four U.S. sales regions as vice presidents. Robert Drob will lead sales of major projects. Robert Loacker and Norm Hoefler will lead all sales and marketing activities in Latin America and Canada respectively.

Thomas Hansen, who previously held the position of vice president, Americas for the Communications Systems Division, will now serve as vice president of key accounts. "With unified sales and account management teams, it will be easier for our security and communications customers to expand their current product offerings to include other systems from our broad portfolio," said Hansen. "With the new structure, we will be better positioned to help our customers achieve greater profitability and expand their businesses."

Nick Valente will continue as vice president of business development, and Daniel Gundlach will maintain his role as vice president of marketing for the Americas. Jim Musshafen will serve as director of training, technical and project support, and Paul Loughridge will head customer service.

"The integration will enable us to provide customers with a more cohesive and streamlined experience in the future - whether they are collaborating with sales to win business, participating in training courses or utilizing our support services," said Hockham.

MORE INFO
Bosch Security Systems Inc. Communications Systems Division www.boschcommunications.com

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2d3 has released version 1.0 of its AltiMap software, which creates accurate geospatial maps from aerial imagery captured by high resolution cameras. AltiMap supports cameras ranging from consumer-level digital cameras up to the most advanced aerial imaging systems.

Traditional automated mapping systems have been reliant upon aircraft instrumentation and camera hardware. AltiMap allows for the automated generation of the same quality of image product using images alone or images and a commercially available GPS receiver. The geo-located results can be exported as single images or tiled hierarchies of images, compatible with almost all mapping software such as Google Earth and ArcView GIS.

“With the advent of freely available geospatial software and tools, we see great opportunity for products such as AltiMap to accelerate the production of geospatial imagery,” said Jon Damush, 2d3 president. “AltiMap was developed to make it easy for anyone, from expert image analysts to aerial photographers, to create geo-located map product from aerial imagery without having to be an expert at image manipulation or photogrammetry. Anyone familiar with attempting to use consumer photo stitching software to make a map will immediately recognize the benefits of AltiMap.”

2d3's Advanced Imaging Group specializes in applying vision science techniques to still and motion imagery to allow decision makers to better sift through and understand this mountain of media. 2d3 has specific expertise in intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaisance (ISR) operations, especially those from airborne platforms such as Unmanned Aerial Vehicles.

MORE INFO (Worth a click just for the captivating moving images on the company’s homepage)
2d3 www.2d3.com

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The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported Saturday that the city is applying for federal stimulus grant money to add 500 surveillance cameras to the couple of dozen it has now.

Total cost: $13.7 million, plus $3.2 million annually for maintenance. The system would create 69 new jobs, the paper said.

The city is applying for the funds through the federal Broadband Technology Opportunities Program. The U.S. Commerce Department has the final word on the grant allocations.

If implemented, the Atlanta system would join Chicago (2,000-plus cameras), Baltimore (480) and New York among large American cities with significant public surveillance systems, although those cities also boast vibrant street life and pedestrian activity. Officials in those cities have said the cameras have helped solve and reduce crimes.

The Atlanta cams be able to use software for license plate identification and gunfire location, the AJC said.

There’s much more pro and con in the AJC story here.

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Scott Bausback, a 25-year veteran of the test and measurement industry, has been appointed chief operating officer of Rohde & Schwarz Inc.

Bausback held a variety of sales and marketing management positions during 18 years at Tektronix Inc. In 1998 he was named vice president and general manager of its Communications Business Unit. In 2001 he joined LeCroy Corp. as executive vice president and chief operating officer.



During his time at Tektronix, he was closely involved in the Tektronix/Rohde & Schwarz alliance and helped to build the foundation for Rohde & Schwarz’s successful transition into the U.S. market.



“Scott’s role and involvement with the Tektronix/Rohde & Schwarz alliance in the early nineties gives him a unique insight into our company,” said Wolfgang Schmittseifer, CEO of Rohde & Schwarz. “He’s worked side by side for many years with many Rohde & Schwarz employees, both here in the USA and in the global headquarters in Munich.  During that time, he earned respect for his experience in the T&M market, industry insight, and proven track record.”



Bausback was COO at LeCroy from 2001 to 2007, followed by a series of T&M industry management consulting assignments. He holds a B.S. from Rutgers College of Engineering, from which he graduated cum laude.

MORE INFO
Rohde & Schwarz www.rohde-schwarz.com/us/

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Kansas-based ICOP Digital Inc. announced the largest order yet for its ICOP 20/20 VISION in-car video systems for law enforcement.

The company said 40 units will go to the Billings Police Department and six to the Yellowstone County Sheriff's Office. The order is valued at $244,000.

The ICOP 20/20 VISION provides full, independent control of the DVR through an officer's Mobile Data Terminal.

The systems were purchased using federal “stimulus” grant money.

Billings (pop. About 104,000) has Montana’s largest police department, with 143 officers patrolling 41 square miles. Winter temperatures can be severe.

"This project of switching 80 systems from analog to digital was no small undertaking," said Cpt. John Bedford of the Billings Police Department. "The top reasons for going with the ICOP system include the outstanding quality of the video, as compared to the old VHS systems, the security of having all our data stored in a central database and the ability with the ICOP solution to do pre-event recording," he stated.

MORE INFO
ICOP www.icop.com

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A new navigation bar, new "cloud partners" for new features, and a lot more is in store for Chyron's AXIS Website when it updates on on Halloween.

Check out the video from Chyron for more details here.



There are new menus, new ways to order custom graphics and templates, and other updates.



One cool features: The site supports use of Microsoft Bing's satellite imagery for unique custom graphics tied to real geography, with options for roads, altitude adjustment and other options.

There are a lot more enhancements, so watch the video.

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Surveillance video on a Florida bus captured a man apparently dodging a dog on a sidewalk, only to be hit by a bus.

The man was hospitalized.

This clip from a Fox TV newscast shows views of the sidewalk and a couple of views from inside the bus. This is one of those buses with audio monitoring as well: We can hear the driver vigorously defending herself, saying that the man jumped in front of the bus.



The newscast uses some fast editing to make the whole scene even more exciting.

Once again, it's a case where surveillance may help investigators figure out exactly what happened. The driver, probably, is thankful that the video may absolve her of any wrongdoing in this case.

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Tim Thorsteinson, the president of Harris Broadcast for the past three-and-a-half years, is leaving his position effective Oct. 31.

Tim Thorsteinson

The company said Thorsteinson is retiring “to pursue other interests.” Harris has begun searching both internal and external candidates for his successor. Thorsteinson was previously president of Leitch but was named to lead Harris Broadcast after Harris bought Leitch in 2005. Before that, he was head of Grass Valley and also served in leadership positions with Tektronix and National Semiconductor Corp.

Howard Lance, chairman, president and chief executive officer of Harris Corp., thanked Mr. Thorsteinson for his leadership and many accomplishments during his years with Harris.

“Tim has been instrumental in driving our broadcast business’ global expansion, entry into new product and market segments and cost reduction and operations initiatives,” Lance said.

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Barco’s new OL series of video walls come with “Sense6,” the company’s sensor technology, which co-ordinates across multiple rear-projection modules to provide brightness and color stability across the entire wall—requiring no maintenance or manual adjustments.

Barco OL series

The new walls, aimed at 24/7 control room applications, also have a liquid cooling system for longer LED life and quieter operation.

It also has a space-saving cube design (only 450mm, or 17 inches, on a side) and front access option, and is designed for fast setup and configuration.

“Barco's LED video wall has been developed based on a long heritage of LED expertise, since we have been designing and producing LED signage since the nineties,” comments Mathieu Massart, Director Product Management of Barco's Displays technology unit. “As an illustration, today, we process more than two million LEDs every week. So, we know LED and its characteristics like no other company. This way, we have been able to considerably improve the existing LED rear-projection state of the art and we have succeeded in significantly optimizing image quality, ease of use and cost of ownership.”

Barco says LED projection technology has allowed for a much more environment-friendly approach, since the illumination unit has less integrated consumable parts and because, contrary to UHP lamps, LEDs contain no mercury.

MORE INFO
Barco www.barco.com
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Boosting the performance and stability of its multichannel digital video recorders, Mitsubishi Digital Electronics America has upgraded the video compression for its DX-TL8U and DX-TL16U recorders to run on both H.264 and MPEG-4 selectable formats.

Mitsubishi DX-TL16U

The new upgrade means that security professionals now have the option to choose the optimal compression depending on the project or location, with both the H.264 and MPEG-4 delivering a total recording speed of 120 images per second.

“The new H.264 technology assures users the finest quality and low bandwidth,” said Jeff Kiuchi, security market product specialist for Mitsubishi Digital Electronics America. “The upgraded compression format means that security professionals have more control. Adding more control to the design and performance makes the DX-TL8U and DX-TL16U among the most secure DVRs on the market.”

The resolution, quality and recording speeds are all programmable on the DVR, which grants even greater control for the user. Both DVRs feature PTZ (pan, tilt, zoom) controls and system health monitoring, and they continue to maintain three CIF (common intermediate format) resolution levels.

MORE INFO
Mitsubishi Digital Electronics America www.mitsubishi-security.com

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Fujitsu has announced the availability of its IP-900 series of compact MPEG-4 AVC encoders and decoders for efficient, real-time transmission of high-definition and standard-definition content over IP networks.

Fujitsu IP-900 (rear view)

It’s suited to mobile and transportable applications in news gathering and other remote event applications, reducing the cost of transporting digital content over satellite and terrestrial links.

Fujitsu is demonstrating the IP-900 series and video broadcast technologies at HD World (Booth #918), Oct. 14-15 in in New York.

“The ability to improve efficiency and significantly lower the cost of transporting HD or SD content from remote locations is becoming increasingly important in news gathering and live event capture, corporate communications, institutional training, defense and public safety, law enforcement, surveillance and a wide range of applications requiring high fidelity video and audio,” said Kunio Konishi, director of product management media solutions at Fujitsu Frontech North America Inc. “The Fujitsu IP-900 significantly improves operational capabilities in these applications by providing customers with a compact, light-weight, low-power consumption, transportable encoding solution that offers best-in-class performance, low latency reduced cost and operational flexibility. As the adoption of IP networking in digital video and audio content continues to increase, customers equipped with industry-leading solutions like the IP-900 will have a significant advantage over their competitors.”

The Fujitsu IP-900E encoder utilizes advanced H.264 encoding for bandwidth-efficient real-time transmission of digital content over IP networks. Powerful error correction and retransmission (FEC/ARQ) technology enables the Fujitsu IP-900 series to deliver a robust, error-free transport stream across private and public IP networks.

It’s aimed at a wide variety of remote applications, including TV newsgathering, enterprise media, corporate communications, training, safety and surveillance, and government and defense.

MORE INFO
Fujitsu Ltd. www.fujitsu.com
Fujitsu Frontech North America us.fujitsu.com/ffna

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The Deseret News (of Salt Lake City) reported Tuesday that the TSA is refusing to quickly release video of a reported squabble between Utah Rep. Jason Chaffetz and TSA officers at Salt Lake City International Airport.

The conflict arose over use of the “millimeter wave” devices that can detect high-density materials close to the skin. Chaffetz has been a vocal critic of the devices, saying they invade passengers’ privacy.

The Deseret News reported that the TSA denied its request for "expedited treatment" to release that video and any written reports of the incident.

The Deseret News story is here.

Chaffetz, a Republican, claims he was harassed at the airport in the September incident because of his stance against the devices.

A local news report is here:

Video Courtesy of KSL.com

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The Washington, D.C., Fire Chief said responsibility lay with him for a firefighting demonstration gone bad that send one firefighter to the hospital and was caught on video.

In the demonstration, at Washington's Gallaudet University, firefighters demonstrated an alarm and sprinkler system in a pair of prop "rooms." But material designed to keep keep smoke in check instead caught fire and dripped on the firefighters, who initially appear not to realize what's happening.

A series of errors contributed to the mishap, the chief said.

The initial video of the episode is here, and another view is here:



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Avigilon, a maker of high-definition seuveillance and security cameras, named Ian McCorkindale its director of sales in its home territory of Western Canada and the Pacific Northwest

Ian McCorkindale

McCorkindale joins Avigilon, based in Vancouver, British Columbia, from Honeywell Security, where he was most recently the leader of global strategic corporate accounts responsible for lead generation, training, and system design for enterprise video surveillance systems. Prior to Honeywell Security, McCorkindale was the owner and operator of Securapro Services, an enterprise systems integrator. He has also held positions with Richardson Electronics, a distributor of security and surveillance solutions.



“Ian brings years of industry experience, technical knowledge, and proven success in increasing revenue growth in his areas of responsibilities to his new role at Avigilon,” said Dave Tynan, vice president of global sales and marketing at Avigilon. “Leveraging his expertise to further develop Avigilon’s presence in the region, Ian will provide the strategic support required to meet the growing demand for our award winning HD and megapixel video surveillance systems.”


McCorkindale will manage all sales activities in Western Canadian and Pacific Northwestern markets including British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Alaska, Washington, Oregon, Montana, Idaho and Wyoming. McCorkindale will manage customer, integrator, and consultant relationships, provide technical expertise and support, as well as develop new business opportunities for the company.


In addition to making a wide range of megapixel cameras, Avigilon Control Center is the company’s HD network video management software with High Definition Stream Management (HDSM) for full situational awareness. It’s available as standalone software or pre-installed and configured on Avigilon HD NVRs.

MORE INFO
Avigilon www.avigilon.com

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It looks like the protective gear worn by firefighters works well enough so that the men in this video appear to barely know that they've got burning materials on their heads and shoulders.



But they kept their heads and those flames were quickly extinguished.

They catch fire about 3 minutes into this video.

According to a local TV station, the fire came during a demonstration of a sprinkler system in two mocked up dorm rooms outside Gallaudet University in Washington, D.C. The sprinklers seem to work fine but flaming plastic materials fall on the firefighters, who are remain unfazed by the frames.

One of the firefighters was hospitalized.

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Intelsat announced that Korean telecom giant KT Corp. signed a multi-year, pre-launch contract for capacity on the Intelsat 17 satellite (IS-17).


KT expects to use the satellite to deliver enhanced broadband VSAT services to its government and enterprise customers with remote operations in other parts of Asia, Africa and the Middle East. 
 


“We will benefit from IS-17’s broad, inter-regional coverage, along with the high reliability and resilience for which the Intelsat network is well known, as we expand our business into developing regions,” said Yeong-Mo Kwon, KT Corp. Network Group s Vice President, Network Group. “Our customers' bandwidth requirements are projected to continue growing and the high-powered bandwidth available on IS-17 allows us to support their needs as efficiently as possible.”
 


“Intelsat is currently executing the largest fleet investment program in the company’s history with 11 satellites slated for launch from now through 2012. As further confirmation of Intelsat’s commitment to the Asia-Pacific region, five of those satellites will enhance our Asia-Pacific capacity, whereby we have aligned our inventory to meet the future needs of our customers in the region,” said David Ball, Intelsat’s Regional Vice President, Asia-Pacific. “Our fleet refresh, along with our continued investments in our ground network infrastructure, will result in a significant advancement in the types and quantities of capacity and teleport services we will have available for our media, networking and government customers worldwide.”
 


After its launch in early 2012, IS-17 will replace the Intelsat 702 satellite located at 66º E. Once in service, IS-17’s Ku-band payload will provide optimal coverage over the whole of Russia, the Middle East and southern Africa. The C-band capacity on IS-17 will cover Asia, Africa, Europe and the Middle East. It will also expand Intelsat’s C-band video distribution community in the Indian Ocean and Asia region.
 

MORE INFO
 
 

 
KT Corp. www.kt.com/eng/main.jsp

Intelsat www.intelsat.com
 
 
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Don't want to push your luck zooming around Baltimore above the speed limit just when the city is putting up red-light enforcement cameras?

Charm City is showing at least some of its hand and maybe even blowing a chance at increased ticket revenue, posting the locations of red-light cameras on the city's Website.

It's just a list of intersections; a map layout might make more sense, but the info is there.

It's a good way for a city to show that the cameras are really about getting people to slow down, and not about gaining revenue, and may be a good way to mitigate criticism of the cameras.

The list is here.

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Solid State Logic has introduced Duality SE, which adds new features and refinements to the current console design.

At the center of improvements to the way Duality controls and communicates with DAW applications is the introduction of an Ethernet connection between the console and DAW host computer. This single-cable approach reportedly simplifies installation. The existing MIDI ports on the console are retained and can be utilized for connection of other MIDI equipment, effectively making Duality a MIDI Interface.

SSL Duality SE

There is new dual layer DAW control, enabling Duality to control two DAWs simultaneously with switching of hardware surface controls between manipulations of each DAW layer. The Duality Logictivity Browser has also been refreshed with new features, a streamlined user interface and new visual appearance. The Solo/Cut tiles across all of the consoles channel strips have been replaced with a new set of LCD screens providing more space for a greater level of information and improved viewing angles.

The analog side of Duality receives 25 individual feature additions, with a few key areas of focus. The Talkback system sees the addition of an Autocue system that provides options to set how the Talkback & Listen switches and Red Light Mode physically operate or respond to Play or Record transport commands.

The SSL Automation system has gained the addition of an Offline Trim facility, selection of Automation Update Status at the head of the mix and the addition of automation for all Cue, FX and EQ insert switches. The Monitor Volume control is also updated with a new Calibration facility, a new 'fine' mode that increments in 0.4dB steps and the ability to display in three different modes: FILM (off-95db), Music (1-11) or Gain (off-0db).

SSL introduced Duality SE at the 127th AES Convention in New York.

Duality SE is available now. Duality SE (software) is available as an upgrade option to existing Duality customers for $1,750.

MORE INFO
Solid State Logic www.solid-state-logic.com

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Crystal Vision has released Q-Down Mini, a new version of its Q-Down broadcast downconverter and distribution amplifier. It's the company's first "mini=box" and is designed for attaching directly to the back of SD monitors in space-challenged environments with no spare rack space.

Crystal Vision Q-Down Mini

Q-Down Mini boasts a processing delay of just 16 lines, eliminating the need to compensate audio signals for video delay.

It features flexible outputs with a reclocked loop-through of the HD or SD input, a dedicated SDI output and three SD outputs individually link-selectable between analog (composite, Y/C, YUV and RGB) and digital. It can down convert 720p and 1080i HD at both 50Hz and 59.94Hz, with the downconverter bypassed if the input is standard-definition.

Other features include four alternative vertical filter characteristics (softest, soft, sharp and sharpest) and will deal with any aspect ratio conversion requirements. There are also three video delay settings available.

It measures just 160x70x28mm, which means it fits easily on the back of a monitor.

"Q-Down Mini was introduced because the existing standalone down converters did not meet the requirements of some broadcasters," said Crystal Vision Managing Director Philip Scofield. "Those that believe that a down converter needs a short delay and want to keep the maximum quality of an HD signal can now use a converter in a minibox and get exceptional value for their money."

MORE INFO
Crystal Vision www.crystalvision.tv

You got to give University of Montana President George Dennison credit for putting himself out there on YouTube. In what appears to be the first in a possible series of video addresses, Dennison welcomed students to campus in a recent video the university dubbed "YouChat."



Student reaction was a bit tough, according to an article in the local paper, The Missoulian.

"It's like my Mom on Facebook," one student told the paper.

University of Montana students helped produce the video, according to the paper.

The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority has bought a pair of Segway-like three-wheelers for its police force.

It's also released a video showing the units in action.



The trikes, which have a top speed of 25 mph, are initially going to work the New Carrolton (Va.) station, where there have been some problems with car thefts and robberies in the parking lot.

Metro officials say they elevated position of the officer gives him a her a good view of potential problems around the lots.

The units cost about $10,000 each and more may follow.

American Forces Press Service has unveiled a “widget” for Defense Department photographs.

The widget, available at Defense.gov, lets anyone feed the latest Defense Department imagery in real time to their own Web site by cutting and pasting a line of code.

The widget appears as a 240-by-156-pixel graphic box (below) and cycles through at least eight photos. It is updated frequently throughout the day.



Linda Kozaryn, director of eProducts at the Defense Media Activity, said the widget allows for the sharing of the best imagery from the Defense Department, Defense Media Activity and other military assets stationed around the globe.

“This is a wonderful opportunity to immediately provide the latest imagery to our audiences,” she said.

The widget is the latest example of tools from the press service. In June 2008, AFPS launched its first widget, allowing users to receive AFPS articles in real time. The AFPS widget has been downloaded more than 1 million times.

AFPS provides news and feature stories on the Defense Department’s senior military and civilian leaders, policies and procedures, as well as military operations and humanitarian aid efforts. Seven AFPS writers cover the Pentagon and travel with the defense secretary, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and other senior leaders on their visits to stateside bases and overseas.

Defense.gov has previously been recognized as a Government Video Website of the Week.

It's not that far-fetched, as this video from researchers at the Georgia Institute of Technology shows.



As the narrator explains, the video combines data from Google Earth with data from other sources, namely surveillance and traffic cameras, to synthesize images of traffic on highways, pedestrians walking down the street--even soccer and football games.

With the proliferation of public and private cameras, and the trend for private operators to share their video images with public authorities, this technology looks like a step toward something like a "Live" Google Earth, allowing the users to see what's happening in any place with surveillance cameras.

"We feel that this form of dynamic visualization opens up many exciting avenues," the voice-over says.

One likely addition that wouldn't even need cameras: real-time weather and lighting overlays, since in the world as shown on Google Earth it's always daytime and it never rains.

Recently, we posted video of a head-on collision between a school bus and an apparently reckless driver. In that case, footage from an Arizona traffic camera showed the bus apparently trying to take evasive action before being smacked by the car, which seemed to be a fu speed in the wrong lane.

Now, here's the view from inside the bus. Don't worry, it's not too scary or violent, and it shows a grownup immediately checking of the welfare of the kids, who seem to have suffered just a big bump. (According to news reports, some of the bus passengers were treated for minor injuries; the three people in the car died.)



The two videos seem to show that the folks on the bus did nothing wrong in the crash, so they're probably glad to have video evidence of that. Because without video, who knows?

And it might comfort parents and school administrators to see how well the big old school bus protected its passengers even in such a violent crash. As long as they stay upright, school buses seem like pretty safe places to be.